Nutrition

What aspects of nutrition should I focus on as I approach menopause?

As we approach menopause protein intake becomes extremely important in order to maintain muscle mass and satiety. You also want to look at your intake of added sugars and alcohol. And keep those, at a minimum. Lots of fiber, mostly from plants, and from whole grains to keep you regular and feed your microbiome, and plenty of good fats from nuts, and seeds and fish. Eating around menopause is not really any different from how you would eat before menopause. But it's important to focus on these nutrients in order to keep yourself healthy, happy, regular. And all of that, I also want to add that magnesium may be helpful if you're having trouble sleeping.

Eating around menopause should involve getting enough protein, fiber, good fats, and limiting added sugars and alcohol. Magnesium may help with sleeping problems.

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I see a lot of reference to adrenal fatigue on the internet.  Is this a real health issue?

Is it renal? Fatigue? Free all good question. It is not. I know I gave you my answer really quickly but I see this as a dietitian all the time. Our organs don't really get tired or adrenals Are Meant To Handle our stressful situations. And you know, while constant low level or high level stress isn't healthy for us, our adrenals and our body. In general is equipped to deal with it. That is to a certain point obviously but adrenal fatigue. No it's not real anytime you see someone who is selling an adrenal cocktail or adrenal diet or adrenal supplement? You know that they probably do not science. It's also important to note that no medical society in the developed World actually recognizes adrenal fatigue as a diagnosis. So, we have that too. And I like to think that modern medicine would have discovered it. Adrenal fatigue if it did exist. There are adrenal issues that include Cushing's Disease. But those are not adrenal fatigue. Just be careful where you get your health information from.

Adrenal fatigue is not a real diagnosis and should not be trusted when someone is selling an adrenal supplement or diet. Be cautious about where you get your health information from.

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What would happen if I didn't eat any protein?

If you didn't eat any protein whatsoever, you probably have muscle wasting and protein deficiency, which would cause you to retain fluid and you would if not be able to heal any of your organs and maintain them, you wouldn't be able to maintain your immune system and your hormone levels and it would pretty much be a disaster. So eat your protein, please,

Not eating any protein can lead to muscle wasting, protein deficiency, fluid retention and difficulty healing organs, maintaining immune system and hormone levels.

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At what age does metabolism start to slow down and how does this affect the way my body processes carbs?

So the latest research by Herman pain, sir, who is like the god of metabolism shows that our metabolisms are mostly stable between the ages of 20 and 60. This was a huge surprise to everybody, including medical professionals and people like me who always thought that metabolism started to decline at around age. 35, the study showed that even during times like pregnancy and menopause the metabolism was have least able was shocking metabolism. Does start to decline very slowly after age 60 for most of us. Will it affect the way your body processes carbs? I mean, I think it affects the way the body processes everything, but it shouldn't really be a perceptible change that being said, if you're a female and you're in menopause, some Studies have shown that diet that's lower in carbs. Not necessarily A keto diet but just, you know, like a moderate to lower carb diet may help with staving off weight gain and may help with weight maintenance.

Research shows that our metabolisms are relatively stable between the ages of 20 and 60, with a slight decline after 60. This could affect the way your body processes carbs, so if you're a female in menopause it might be beneficial to eat a lower carb diet to maintain weight.

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Abby Langer, RD answers your Nutrition questions. See all the advice Abby Langer, RD has and get answers to your own Nutrition questions.

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Registered Dietitian since 1999, Abby Langer has a passion for all aspects of nutrition. She has won awards for her teaching and has served on her regulatory college’s council. Abby focuses on body respect and intuitive-style eating, and works with brands aligned with her nutrition philosophy. She has extensive experience in media and a dedicated, engaged following. When not working, Abby loves running, discovering new foods, and spending time with her family.